Aerial
nets. Also called butterfly nets, this is the tool most
associated with insect collecting, especially for collecting butterflies.
These nets are generally made of light weight materials that include
a wooden or aluminum handle and a hoop constructed of stiff steel “music
wire” or steel strap. The net is made from fine mesh material
usually reinforced with cotton around the hoop. Various diameter
hoops are available with 12 to 18 inches diameters being more common.
The hoop is affixed to the handle in various ways depending on
construction materials used. Length of poles vary from a standard
length of about 3 to 5 feet. Longer and telescoping poles are also
commercially available.
Making
your own net is possible (See “How
to Make a Butterfly Net”) , but the challenge is finding
materials from which to construct the hoop. Coat hanger wire is not
suitable and “music wire” sold at hobby stores are generally
not long enough to create a hoop of suitable diameter.
Technique
tips: Many insects, particularly butterflies, true bugs and flies
seek light when distressed or panicked. When you “bag” an
insects, hold the tip of the bag and point it towards the sunlight.
The insects will climb towards the light and not escape from the
bag when you reach in to retrieve the specimen either by hand or
with a jar.
Sweep
nets. Although similar to aerial nets, sweep nets are
made of heavier-weight and sturdier materials and are better suited
for collecting plant-infesting insects like true bugs, beetles
and other chewing and sucking insects of medium-small to large
sizes. Bags are made entirely or partially from heavier cotton
cloth. They are designed to be swung through plant foliage is a
systematic sweeping motion while walking forward at a steady pace.
After a set number of “sweeps” contents can be carefully
be removed and specimens collected in a container or the entire
contents can be placed in a such as a paper or plastic bag for
sorting later such as after freezing.
Sweep
nets are used in sampling programs because collections of specific
numbers of sweeps (i.e., 100 sweeps) can constitute a “sample
unit” of insect populations. Results of repeated sampling over
space or time can provide information about relative population levels,
information useful for those managing pest populations in agricultural
crops like rice and soybeans.
Aquatic nets. Nets for collecting insects in water
come in a variety of styles. Fish nets sold at pet stores or aerial
nets are suitable for collecting species that swim in or on the surface
of water (e.g., water striders, water boatman, mosquito larvae).
More durable nets with canvas bags or hoops with square or triangular
shapes are more suitable for collecting bottom-dwelling species (e.g.,
may fly larvae, hellgrammites, bloodworms) and are usually held down
stream while disturbing soil and rocks on the bottom of flowing water
so specimens float into the net.
